Race Number 30 (Race #1 in the “Run to Raise Riches” program)
Today’s race in the back roads of Boulder, Colorado was the first of nine races I will run, this school year (health permitting), on behalf of my school. We are calling it the “Run to Raise Riches for Jefferson Academy.” Parents, families and students can pledge $13.10 (representing the 13.1 miles of the half marathon….clever, huh?) towards the race in any multiple from one to ten. For this race alone, our families, at our wonderful school, pledged over $1,700 to our classrooms. Every dollar is going to the classrooms that the families choose to pledge to. I had the special opportunity to run with a couple of my speedy mom’s during this race, which made it a neat experience. I felt like an old Arab sheik running with a small harem, albeit for only about a minute. Starting the race with the ladies, after my 60th birthday (which was on the 19th, btw) made it easier to acknowledge the fact that running has allowed me to age a little more gracefully and, in fact, it has allowed me to redefine my aging.
So…. I ran this race, under a newly quipped running haiku mantra: “No age, no bother.” Yep, between my prayers noted below, I recited this as I trudged up the significant 2-3% hills for THE FIRST 6 ½ MILES!!!!
What dawned on me throughout the race was the insight that it has taken me about fifty plus years to fully grasp that age really does not or should not matter. The limits we set are set by our minds, most of the time. Yes, disease can cripple us (OR the antibiotic you take before the race along with an inflamed wisdom tooth) and stop us from doing what we want to do. Yet, I understand from those who are there right now, that after a period of anger and mourning, they have been motivated to start looking for the next door or window to saunter through. That is inspiring to me! I hope I can respond the same when it is my turn to face that kind of major obstacle.
I look back with amusement as I remember some of my thoughts I had years ago as to what I thought I would……..look like….or act like…… or be like…. when I turned the big 6-0. None of the gruesome pictures or negative scenarios has come true. Thank goodness.
So…. as I plodded through the race today, crossing the finish line with my SLOWEST TIME EVER (mostly due to heat and getting sick to my stomach…first time that has happened in 30 races), I was able to gain my composure, remember my full name and date of birth, (which reminded me that I was not that young anymore), and be proud that I had completed the 30th half marathon of my life and have 70 more to complete.
NO AGE, NO BOTHER! Just get it done, Munier!
Time: I am not telling you. It was that bad. Seven minutes in the port-a-potty, in the middle of the race. made it even worse. One of my car pool friends ended up with heat exhaustion!!! I am just glad I finished the darn race. The wisdom tooth has to go before the next race in October!!!!
Prayer List: Miles 1-2: Carleen Clark’s mom’s surgery (and she is recovering) for a brain aneurism. Miles 3-5: Our granddaughter, Alexis Munier: She is having surgery for the removal of a cyst on her temple. Miles 6-8: Kyle Kawasaki – a Marine medically discharged and preparing for the next special adventures in his life. Miles 9-11: The Roeder family: They are grieving over the loss of Jason’s dad to Amyloidosis. Miles 12-13: Janelle Bratten is facing a battle against breast cancer in the months ahead.
Langley Half Marathon, Whidbey Island, Washington, July 12, 2009
Race Number 29, State Number 7 (almost a third of the way to my goal in both categories!)
Cameron and I headed to Seattle this past weekend to partake in some of the interesting sites and sounds of Seattle. First, we went to the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (a Star Trekkie's heaven on earth), took a walking stroll through Pike Market Place, snapped a picture of the Space Needle and the long line to ride it to the top and finally, a ride on the Monorail. This was all in preparation for the main events in the evening: dinner at The Brooklyn Restaurant and two wonderful hours listening to the aforementioned sounds of the Seattle Symphony. They were performing the incredible music of "Final Fantasy" by Nobulo Uematsu, the composer. It was amazing!
Now going away to another state, I am always enticed by the opportunity to run in another half marathon if one is available. Well, lo and behold, I found a race to meet my 'high standards' on the fanciful Whidbey Island. This race ran along the waterfront road and overlooked the Puget Sound and Saratoga Passage with (as advertised) rolling hills. Absolutely beautiful.
As I prepared to toe the line for this race, I was experiencing that blend of elation, excitement, and apprehension one feels when heading out on a long passage of thirteen miles. I really thought the oysters and clams at Brooklyn's would replace my need for my gel packs....but (deep sigh) that was a silly thought because clams and oysters know little of quick locomotion and the incredible light speed by which I travel (hey, no smirks....the oysters and clams think I am fast!). I found myself prepared (albeit, minimally) for this race if it was not for those BLASTED, as advertised, HILLS!!! OMG!
One should feel that a certain amount of exertion should go into the effort, of course; i.e. the requisite mortification of the flesh, so to speak, before reaching the finish line. But, come on folks, those hills were masochistic even at sea level! Basically, I hit the wall like a monarch butterfly on your windshield. I mean to make clear that I did not fold my hand or my tent during this retching experience, but I sure considered it. I think the clams and oysters were even looking for a way out as they sought to escape through the two openings available to them. But I persisted (as did my bivalve mollusk friends).
Does all this engage you in rapt admiration? It should not. My time reflects my struggle. 2:21:22. Adieu Whidbey Island. I may try to conquer you in another lifetime, but without the help of bivalve mollusks.
Prayer List: Miles 1-3: Samantha Norton and the re-working of her entire intestinal system. Miles 4-6: Bentley Ryberg, our Kindergarten teacher as she finishes her battle against an awful bacterium in her colon. Miles 7-9: Dawson Ryberg, Bentley's 5th grade son who will have his sleen and gallbladder removed on July 16th. Miles 10-13: Robin Munier as she seeks to find a new kitty to replace the one she had to give up due to "issues."
Cameron and I headed to Seattle this past weekend to partake in some of the interesting sites and sounds of Seattle. First, we went to the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (a Star Trekkie's heaven on earth), took a walking stroll through Pike Market Place, snapped a picture of the Space Needle and the long line to ride it to the top and finally, a ride on the Monorail. This was all in preparation for the main events in the evening: dinner at The Brooklyn Restaurant and two wonderful hours listening to the aforementioned sounds of the Seattle Symphony. They were performing the incredible music of "Final Fantasy" by Nobulo Uematsu, the composer. It was amazing!
Now going away to another state, I am always enticed by the opportunity to run in another half marathon if one is available. Well, lo and behold, I found a race to meet my 'high standards' on the fanciful Whidbey Island. This race ran along the waterfront road and overlooked the Puget Sound and Saratoga Passage with (as advertised) rolling hills. Absolutely beautiful.
As I prepared to toe the line for this race, I was experiencing that blend of elation, excitement, and apprehension one feels when heading out on a long passage of thirteen miles. I really thought the oysters and clams at Brooklyn's would replace my need for my gel packs....but (deep sigh) that was a silly thought because clams and oysters know little of quick locomotion and the incredible light speed by which I travel (hey, no smirks....the oysters and clams think I am fast!). I found myself prepared (albeit, minimally) for this race if it was not for those BLASTED, as advertised, HILLS!!! OMG!
One should feel that a certain amount of exertion should go into the effort, of course; i.e. the requisite mortification of the flesh, so to speak, before reaching the finish line. But, come on folks, those hills were masochistic even at sea level! Basically, I hit the wall like a monarch butterfly on your windshield. I mean to make clear that I did not fold my hand or my tent during this retching experience, but I sure considered it. I think the clams and oysters were even looking for a way out as they sought to escape through the two openings available to them. But I persisted (as did my bivalve mollusk friends).
Does all this engage you in rapt admiration? It should not. My time reflects my struggle. 2:21:22. Adieu Whidbey Island. I may try to conquer you in another lifetime, but without the help of bivalve mollusks.
Prayer List: Miles 1-3: Samantha Norton and the re-working of her entire intestinal system. Miles 4-6: Bentley Ryberg, our Kindergarten teacher as she finishes her battle against an awful bacterium in her colon. Miles 7-9: Dawson Ryberg, Bentley's 5th grade son who will have his sleen and gallbladder removed on July 16th. Miles 10-13: Robin Munier as she seeks to find a new kitty to replace the one she had to give up due to "issues."
Casper Half Marathon, Casper, Wyoming, June 7, 2009
Race Number 28
State Number 6
My biggest enemy in a half marathon race is my sense of humor (if you can call my twisted view of life and myself, humorous). The idea of me and another runner of similar ability “racing” to the finish line is enough to send me into a squall of uncontrolled laughter. “Chariots of Fire” music begins looming in my head and I just can't get over the absurdity of thinking I can beat the 20-something female who has been running in front of me for the first six miles! Bottom-line is, I may be spending too much effort on deciding who will finish first among the middle of the pack.
Yet, I am not a competitor to be taken lightly. All the runners in the Casper Half Marathon should have been shaking in their $130 motion-controlled, cushioned running shoes. I would have warned them I was coming to Wyoming to throw the gauntlet down but I ran out of time to update my Facebook or contact the national emergency warning system. I did make contact with the local sheriff to warn him of my arrival, but his glance of disdain left me wondering if he took me seriously.
As I tried to gain ground on my 20-something rival, I tried to telepathically convey to her that the heavy breathing and pounding footsteps she was hearing was, in fact, not an overweight Bill Clinton, but a man who considered THIS race, the race of his life. She did not seem to get the message that she should be in for the race of her life, as well.
I am sorry to say she did not give up and wave goodbye as I passed her for the 10th time (which suggests she passed me at least nine times). So….. I had to visualize one of my favorite cartoon characters, Popeye the Sailor Man. Of all the heroes on TV, he had the best system. Any time there was trouble, all Popeye did was reach into his shirt, pull out a can of spinach, squeeze it open and pour the spinach in his mouth. Presto-chango! He had instant muscles, instant strength and instant solutions.
Oh my, to think that help was just a squeeze away and the finish line was only two miles away!
Problem was I had NO spinach or even spinach-flavored gel packets in my fancy waist-belt carrier. My instant “Popeye” solution was not available to me so I had to do it the old fashioned way, CHEAT. Yep, I tripped the gal, she lost a few steps and I beat her to the finish line. I was filled with deep satisfaction that I had won and experienced the same feigned joy as Manny Ramirez and Barry Bonds!
I have learned that there is no failure in running, or in life, as long as you keep moving, clawing and scratching. It is not about speed and medals, it is about refusing to be stopped, even if it means tripping your opponent. :-)
My time: A glorious 2:14:40. My legs felt good but the right side of my face was a bit sore from the slap I received from 20-something girl.
Editor’s Note: Mikie did not trip that girl. He is a liar. Actually, they crossed the finish line almost at the same time with 20-something girl finishing .04 seconds ahead of Mikie. Oh, what a battle it was!!!
Prayer List: Miles 1-3: The Onstott family, my dear friends who live in windy Casper, WY. Miles 4-6: The JA Class of 2009. Fifty-eight students graduated from 12th grade of which 22 students that started at JA in either Kindergarten, first or second grade. Miles 7-9: Our maintenance crew at JA as they refurbish the building this summer. Miles 10-13: The students at Jefferson Academy and their well-being this summer.
State Number 6
My biggest enemy in a half marathon race is my sense of humor (if you can call my twisted view of life and myself, humorous). The idea of me and another runner of similar ability “racing” to the finish line is enough to send me into a squall of uncontrolled laughter. “Chariots of Fire” music begins looming in my head and I just can't get over the absurdity of thinking I can beat the 20-something female who has been running in front of me for the first six miles! Bottom-line is, I may be spending too much effort on deciding who will finish first among the middle of the pack.
Yet, I am not a competitor to be taken lightly. All the runners in the Casper Half Marathon should have been shaking in their $130 motion-controlled, cushioned running shoes. I would have warned them I was coming to Wyoming to throw the gauntlet down but I ran out of time to update my Facebook or contact the national emergency warning system. I did make contact with the local sheriff to warn him of my arrival, but his glance of disdain left me wondering if he took me seriously.
As I tried to gain ground on my 20-something rival, I tried to telepathically convey to her that the heavy breathing and pounding footsteps she was hearing was, in fact, not an overweight Bill Clinton, but a man who considered THIS race, the race of his life. She did not seem to get the message that she should be in for the race of her life, as well.
I am sorry to say she did not give up and wave goodbye as I passed her for the 10th time (which suggests she passed me at least nine times). So….. I had to visualize one of my favorite cartoon characters, Popeye the Sailor Man. Of all the heroes on TV, he had the best system. Any time there was trouble, all Popeye did was reach into his shirt, pull out a can of spinach, squeeze it open and pour the spinach in his mouth. Presto-chango! He had instant muscles, instant strength and instant solutions.
Oh my, to think that help was just a squeeze away and the finish line was only two miles away!
Problem was I had NO spinach or even spinach-flavored gel packets in my fancy waist-belt carrier. My instant “Popeye” solution was not available to me so I had to do it the old fashioned way, CHEAT. Yep, I tripped the gal, she lost a few steps and I beat her to the finish line. I was filled with deep satisfaction that I had won and experienced the same feigned joy as Manny Ramirez and Barry Bonds!
I have learned that there is no failure in running, or in life, as long as you keep moving, clawing and scratching. It is not about speed and medals, it is about refusing to be stopped, even if it means tripping your opponent. :-)
My time: A glorious 2:14:40. My legs felt good but the right side of my face was a bit sore from the slap I received from 20-something girl.
Editor’s Note: Mikie did not trip that girl. He is a liar. Actually, they crossed the finish line almost at the same time with 20-something girl finishing .04 seconds ahead of Mikie. Oh, what a battle it was!!!
Prayer List: Miles 1-3: The Onstott family, my dear friends who live in windy Casper, WY. Miles 4-6: The JA Class of 2009. Fifty-eight students graduated from 12th grade of which 22 students that started at JA in either Kindergarten, first or second grade. Miles 7-9: Our maintenance crew at JA as they refurbish the building this summer. Miles 10-13: The students at Jefferson Academy and their well-being this summer.
Colfax Half Marathon, Denver, Colorado, May 17, 2009
Race Number 27
(If Dr. Seuss wrote for Mikie Marathoner about the Colfax Marathon)
Mikie, there is the start line, that's the start,
So toe the line and get set to dart.
You must go far, please go far,
The end of the race may have a bar!
If your wee legs can go fast,
This race may not last and last,
Yet you are old and without blast
I hope you can survive and last, survive and last.
Mikie, give it all you got I say,
Weak you may be, it may be that way.
But you must go, yes you must go.
So make it so, please make it so!
Climb those eight miles of 2% grade,
You will not fade, you will not fade.
Don’t say I can't, for I know you can,
You must, you will, you certainly can. You the man!
The heart danger is now past,
You can run and run, and impress the cast!
Your body is on fire, you say,
That is what happens when God makes you pay!
You ask how this could be?
Who lit the fire, the fire you flee?
You say, not me, not me?
You say not I, not I.
You ask how long til you die?
Two hours and more to say goodbye.
Mikie may I suggest a course to take?
You could, I think, quite safely make.
Drink the water and the Gatorade,
That will stop the fire and you will say Hurray! Hurray!
Think positive and please don’t desist.
We understand hills do exist. We get your gist.
But you can get your body to go,
Keep in the flow, keep in the flow!
The last two miles are so hard to do,
You really are such a fool.
Oh I hope you get there soon,
For you may be dead by Sunday noon.
But Mikie you are marginally strong,
You will succeed if you remove the thong. (Just kidding-at least it rhymes)
You would not stop, you would not fall,
You would not slow, no, not at all!
You broke the tape and crossed the line
In two seventeen and twenty-nine. (i.e. 2:17:29)
Prayer List: Miles 1-3: New board members elected to our JA Board, Miles 4-6: My students at JA who think summer vacation has already arrived. Miles 7-9: Amanda Rubenking-had gall bladder surgery. Miles 9-13: My dear staff as they finish the last two weeks of an incredible year of achievement!
(If Dr. Seuss wrote for Mikie Marathoner about the Colfax Marathon)
Mikie, there is the start line, that's the start,
So toe the line and get set to dart.
You must go far, please go far,
The end of the race may have a bar!
If your wee legs can go fast,
This race may not last and last,
Yet you are old and without blast
I hope you can survive and last, survive and last.
Mikie, give it all you got I say,
Weak you may be, it may be that way.
But you must go, yes you must go.
So make it so, please make it so!
Climb those eight miles of 2% grade,
You will not fade, you will not fade.
Don’t say I can't, for I know you can,
You must, you will, you certainly can. You the man!
The heart danger is now past,
You can run and run, and impress the cast!
Your body is on fire, you say,
That is what happens when God makes you pay!
You ask how this could be?
Who lit the fire, the fire you flee?
You say, not me, not me?
You say not I, not I.
You ask how long til you die?
Two hours and more to say goodbye.
Mikie may I suggest a course to take?
You could, I think, quite safely make.
Drink the water and the Gatorade,
That will stop the fire and you will say Hurray! Hurray!
Think positive and please don’t desist.
We understand hills do exist. We get your gist.
But you can get your body to go,
Keep in the flow, keep in the flow!
The last two miles are so hard to do,
You really are such a fool.
Oh I hope you get there soon,
For you may be dead by Sunday noon.
But Mikie you are marginally strong,
You will succeed if you remove the thong. (Just kidding-at least it rhymes)
You would not stop, you would not fall,
You would not slow, no, not at all!
You broke the tape and crossed the line
In two seventeen and twenty-nine. (i.e. 2:17:29)
Prayer List: Miles 1-3: New board members elected to our JA Board, Miles 4-6: My students at JA who think summer vacation has already arrived. Miles 7-9: Amanda Rubenking-had gall bladder surgery. Miles 9-13: My dear staff as they finish the last two weeks of an incredible year of achievement!
Palos Verde Half Marathon, Palos Verde, California, May 2, 2009
43rd Running of this event (the second longest running marathon event in the United States)
Race Number 26
I flew into LA for the Palos Verde Half Marathon excitedly anticipating my stay with my dear Uncle Joe and Aunt Louise in Encino. Visiting them is always very special. My uncle and aunt are self-made multimillionaires who have worked very hard to get to a comfortable spot in their late seventies and early eighties. You can get lost in their home just wandering around. The upstairs “game room” is particularly interesting. Why? Because it really is a game room, meaning BIG GAME, of the likes of bear, lion, moose, elk, deer, boar, ducks, geese, etc. There are no mice or gophers. They are not “big” enough for a Big Game Room and quite frankly would not sustain the gun shot of the Joseph family’s arsenal.
When I am with my Uncle Joe and Aunt Louise, I always leave edified and inspired. Uncle Joe has battled heart issues and Aunt Louise is holding her own against failing eyesight. What always blesses me when I am around them is their love for their family and an appreciation for life and the years, months, days and even minutes that they have “notched.” They take each day as God’s gift to them and their faith sustains their positive and gracious attitudes and temperaments.
In a half marathon, success is all about shaving seconds off the time it takes to complete the journey. In life, it’s all about s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g time and appreciating the distance between each breath, something I did not appreciate until I was reminded of it being in the presence of my Aunt and Uncle, who have both struggled for those breaths at one time or another. They breathe and live, they breathe and love, and most importantly, they breathe and bless.
I ran this race not even close to being prepared for it. I signed up on a whim. I did not think I would clock a good time (surprise, surprise) but I realized that I ran this race because I can right now. That is how my Aunt and Uncle have done it over the years. Because they can! I could surely do the same especially after feeling sorry for myself the last few months (see previous entry).
So thank you Uncle Joe and Aunt Louise for reminding me that I need to view the distance in a half marathon in hours and seconds and that each breath is precious. Thank you for reminding me to view life, as you have, in years, days and hours (and seconds even), and realize, it is a gift from our wonderful and caring Lord! Also, thank you for all the great food and fellowship with my extended Lebanese family. I think the lamb, grape leaves, hummus, oatmeal cookies and Marie Callendar pies powered me to a very respectable time. Please tell Loretta and Jennifer to leave me alone (USC BRATS!).
Time: WOW! 2:16:32. Not bad for an old guy with an inflamed heart, poopy training for the last two months and a diet of Lebanese food the night before! Maybe that medication is not as bad as I thought! Or…. Maybe it was that sea air filling my lungs again. Gosh, I miss my beloved Pacific ocean.
Prayer List: Miles 1 & 2: Karen Prichard, our special education teacher at JA in our first eight years. Karen has multiple health issues, the latest being breast cancer. Miles 3 & 4: The Rubenking family. Kevin passed away a week ago. The memorial service started as I crossed the finish line. Miles 5 & 6: Samantha Norton, recovering from removal of her colon at the tender age of 13. Sam has been in my school since Kindergarten. Miles 7 & 8: Alexis Munier, just because she is my granddaughter. What a precious child. Miles 9-13: My Uncle Joe and Aunt Louise, who I love so dearly and they always feed me very, very well. ;-)
Race Number 26
I flew into LA for the Palos Verde Half Marathon excitedly anticipating my stay with my dear Uncle Joe and Aunt Louise in Encino. Visiting them is always very special. My uncle and aunt are self-made multimillionaires who have worked very hard to get to a comfortable spot in their late seventies and early eighties. You can get lost in their home just wandering around. The upstairs “game room” is particularly interesting. Why? Because it really is a game room, meaning BIG GAME, of the likes of bear, lion, moose, elk, deer, boar, ducks, geese, etc. There are no mice or gophers. They are not “big” enough for a Big Game Room and quite frankly would not sustain the gun shot of the Joseph family’s arsenal.When I am with my Uncle Joe and Aunt Louise, I always leave edified and inspired. Uncle Joe has battled heart issues and Aunt Louise is holding her own against failing eyesight. What always blesses me when I am around them is their love for their family and an appreciation for life and the years, months, days and even minutes that they have “notched.” They take each day as God’s gift to them and their faith sustains their positive and gracious attitudes and temperaments.
In a half marathon, success is all about shaving seconds off the time it takes to complete the journey. In life, it’s all about s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g time and appreciating the distance between each breath, something I did not appreciate until I was reminded of it being in the presence of my Aunt and Uncle, who have both struggled for those breaths at one time or another. They breathe and live, they breathe and love, and most importantly, they breathe and bless.
I ran this race not even close to being prepared for it. I signed up on a whim. I did not think I would clock a good time (surprise, surprise) but I realized that I ran this race because I can right now. That is how my Aunt and Uncle have done it over the years. Because they can! I could surely do the same especially after feeling sorry for myself the last few months (see previous entry).
So thank you Uncle Joe and Aunt Louise for reminding me that I need to view the distance in a half marathon in hours and seconds and that each breath is precious. Thank you for reminding me to view life, as you have, in years, days and hours (and seconds even), and realize, it is a gift from our wonderful and caring Lord! Also, thank you for all the great food and fellowship with my extended Lebanese family. I think the lamb, grape leaves, hummus, oatmeal cookies and Marie Callendar pies powered me to a very respectable time. Please tell Loretta and Jennifer to leave me alone (USC BRATS!).
Time: WOW! 2:16:32. Not bad for an old guy with an inflamed heart, poopy training for the last two months and a diet of Lebanese food the night before! Maybe that medication is not as bad as I thought! Or…. Maybe it was that sea air filling my lungs again. Gosh, I miss my beloved Pacific ocean.
Prayer List: Miles 1 & 2: Karen Prichard, our special education teacher at JA in our first eight years. Karen has multiple health issues, the latest being breast cancer. Miles 3 & 4: The Rubenking family. Kevin passed away a week ago. The memorial service started as I crossed the finish line. Miles 5 & 6: Samantha Norton, recovering from removal of her colon at the tender age of 13. Sam has been in my school since Kindergarten. Miles 7 & 8: Alexis Munier, just because she is my granddaughter. What a precious child. Miles 9-13: My Uncle Joe and Aunt Louise, who I love so dearly and they always feed me very, very well. ;-)
The 26th Half Marathon that I DID NOT Run! April 5, 2009
A Bit of Disappointing News
It has been a while since I went to the doctor for a check up. Declining race times and feeling “flat to negative” got me thinking something might be amiss. My training has been less than aggressive. Less time, less energy. I really thought that poor training might be the real issue. It may still be part of the problem. Maybe twenty-five half marathons in 2 ¼ years may also be a factor.
Hmmmm, it was a mystery.
But not any more! A couple of months ago, my doctor called me back for an afternoon visit after a morning appointment to do one more measurement. I have never been in a doctor’s office twice in one day unless I left something behind or tried to sneak out to avoid paying the co-pay, and was promptly returned to the office by the security guard.
It seems the old fella (me, not the doc) needs to accept the fact that he has a family history and cannot eat anything he wants. Blood pressure was a little high but my afternoon “high sensitive c-reactive test” was off the charts. Darn. It was medication time.
I was about as angry and depressed as any athlete of nominal ability could be. I looked at that bottle of pills for a week before taking my first one. The bottle even ended up against the wall a couple of times. I think that is called denial. Stupid and stubborn may also replace the word denial in the previous sentence. Jokingly, I ask the doctor if the meds would help improve my times and training. He laughed, and told me the meds will NOT help my performance or training and may, in fact, slow me down. He said, “Athletes hate this medication.” That did not thrill me. I may have to call Barry Bonds.
So, I was going to run my 26th half marathon today, under a small cloud of disappointment and (believe it or not) left over anger. But I did not run it. It snowed last night, the conditions were not great and I was tired after a week in New Mexico and Arizona. The drive was not in me. Depressed might describe my feelings.
I suppose I have a reason or two to never run again or even attempt my 100 Half Marathon goal. But I will keep at it because I have learned that the disappointments usually fade and are not nearly as bad as they seem at first. The “fading” part just takes a little more time with me. Plus, as most of you know, I can be as dumb and stubborn as a box of rocks.
Yet, I am an incredible physical specimen of Lebanese decent and I think I will bounce back from this. If not, well………., I won’t quit……… I’ll just FADE to the back of the pack!
Blessings!
It has been a while since I went to the doctor for a check up. Declining race times and feeling “flat to negative” got me thinking something might be amiss. My training has been less than aggressive. Less time, less energy. I really thought that poor training might be the real issue. It may still be part of the problem. Maybe twenty-five half marathons in 2 ¼ years may also be a factor.
Hmmmm, it was a mystery.
But not any more! A couple of months ago, my doctor called me back for an afternoon visit after a morning appointment to do one more measurement. I have never been in a doctor’s office twice in one day unless I left something behind or tried to sneak out to avoid paying the co-pay, and was promptly returned to the office by the security guard.
It seems the old fella (me, not the doc) needs to accept the fact that he has a family history and cannot eat anything he wants. Blood pressure was a little high but my afternoon “high sensitive c-reactive test” was off the charts. Darn. It was medication time.
I was about as angry and depressed as any athlete of nominal ability could be. I looked at that bottle of pills for a week before taking my first one. The bottle even ended up against the wall a couple of times. I think that is called denial. Stupid and stubborn may also replace the word denial in the previous sentence. Jokingly, I ask the doctor if the meds would help improve my times and training. He laughed, and told me the meds will NOT help my performance or training and may, in fact, slow me down. He said, “Athletes hate this medication.” That did not thrill me. I may have to call Barry Bonds.
So, I was going to run my 26th half marathon today, under a small cloud of disappointment and (believe it or not) left over anger. But I did not run it. It snowed last night, the conditions were not great and I was tired after a week in New Mexico and Arizona. The drive was not in me. Depressed might describe my feelings.
I suppose I have a reason or two to never run again or even attempt my 100 Half Marathon goal. But I will keep at it because I have learned that the disappointments usually fade and are not nearly as bad as they seem at first. The “fading” part just takes a little more time with me. Plus, as most of you know, I can be as dumb and stubborn as a box of rocks.
Yet, I am an incredible physical specimen of Lebanese decent and I think I will bounce back from this. If not, well………., I won’t quit……… I’ll just FADE to the back of the pack!
Blessings!
Run from an Angel Half Marathon, Boulder City (Lake Mead), Nevada, January 3, 2009
Race Number 25: This race was run in honor of my old high school friend, Andy Cummins. Andy passed after battling cancer for the last couple of years. Andy was a leader on the football field and in our new high school in Costa Mesa, California. He made high school a lot of fun! I ran with a very heavy heart.
State Number 5!
Why runners competed in the Run from an Angel Race in Boulder City, Nevada:
(This is an “official” Gallup poll conducted on race day, in descending order-runners could state two reasons-there is a 3% error factor.)
97%.....of the runners "begged" to run in a race with rolling 3%-8% hills and a 20-25 knot (22-27 mph) blowing in their face (HA!).
25%.....of the runners had not read their Bible in a year and thought this might make things right with “the Big Guy Upstairs.”
17%.....of the runners were told by the Flamingo Hotel and Casino that Victoria Secret Angel Wings were being offered as a promotion if you stayed at their hotel/casino AND ran in the race. Most of these participants had home addresses in San Francisco.
16%.....of the runners saw a chance to impress their bookie with their running ability, hoping to escape a beating for not paying for Bowl game losses.
15%....of the runners got on the wrong bus after leaving the Wayne Newton concert and were trying to make the best of their situation by running in the race singing annoying renditions of “Danke Schoen” throughout the race. (Altogether now, ……..Danke Schoen, darling, Danke Schoen…….now try to get THAT out of your head, uh?!? OMG!)
9%.....of the runners thought they were going to run with a “Real Charlie’s Angel,” like Cheryl Ladd or Drew Barrymore.
8%.....of the runners found out that free falling from the Hoover Dam was being discouraged that day so they punished themselves in this race instead.
4%.....of the runners were running in the race because they had not switched to Mastercard or could not answer the question “What’s in your wallet?”
3%.....of the runners ran in the race to be “Spiritual” instead of getting a Chinese tattoo on their buttock. (As George Carlin use to say, the tattoo you picked probably translates to 'beef with broccoli’ anyway, so don’t get one).
2%.....of the runners wanted to run with their new novelty sun glasses they picked up “cheap” at the local flea market.
Time: 2:31:05. This is the same course that “Run with the Devil Half Marathon” is run on in June in 115 degree heat. I placed FOURTH in this race in the 50-59 age bracket. Problem was, there were only 4 runners in the bracket! Whoop-tee-do!
Prayer List: Miles 1-2: Gini Granholm (Amanda Munier's mother and grandmother to Alexis) had gallbladder surgery and is recovering. Miles 3-4: Mrs. Grant’s (one of my 4th grade teachers) mother, recovering from a major illness. Miles 5-6: Prayers for a good relaxing vacation for my staff. Miles 7-9: Brian Spinnato (our Assistant Principal at our Secondary School) and family-new baby and his wife's health. Miles 10-13: Linda Balogh and family (Admin. Assistant at Secondary School) Linda’s dad passed away in the middle of December.
PS: The Garcia family presented me with a SHINY medal for race 24. They felt very sorry for me.
State Number 5!
Why runners competed in the Run from an Angel Race in Boulder City, Nevada:
(This is an “official” Gallup poll conducted on race day, in descending order-runners could state two reasons-there is a 3% error factor.)
97%.....of the runners "begged" to run in a race with rolling 3%-8% hills and a 20-25 knot (22-27 mph) blowing in their face (HA!).
25%.....of the runners had not read their Bible in a year and thought this might make things right with “the Big Guy Upstairs.”
17%.....of the runners were told by the Flamingo Hotel and Casino that Victoria Secret Angel Wings were being offered as a promotion if you stayed at their hotel/casino AND ran in the race. Most of these participants had home addresses in San Francisco.
16%.....of the runners saw a chance to impress their bookie with their running ability, hoping to escape a beating for not paying for Bowl game losses.
15%....of the runners got on the wrong bus after leaving the Wayne Newton concert and were trying to make the best of their situation by running in the race singing annoying renditions of “Danke Schoen” throughout the race. (Altogether now, ……..Danke Schoen, darling, Danke Schoen…….now try to get THAT out of your head, uh?!? OMG!)
9%.....of the runners thought they were going to run with a “Real Charlie’s Angel,” like Cheryl Ladd or Drew Barrymore.
8%.....of the runners found out that free falling from the Hoover Dam was being discouraged that day so they punished themselves in this race instead.
4%.....of the runners were running in the race because they had not switched to Mastercard or could not answer the question “What’s in your wallet?”
3%.....of the runners ran in the race to be “Spiritual” instead of getting a Chinese tattoo on their buttock. (As George Carlin use to say, the tattoo you picked probably translates to 'beef with broccoli’ anyway, so don’t get one).
2%.....of the runners wanted to run with their new novelty sun glasses they picked up “cheap” at the local flea market.
Time: 2:31:05. This is the same course that “Run with the Devil Half Marathon” is run on in June in 115 degree heat. I placed FOURTH in this race in the 50-59 age bracket. Problem was, there were only 4 runners in the bracket! Whoop-tee-do!
Prayer List: Miles 1-2: Gini Granholm (Amanda Munier's mother and grandmother to Alexis) had gallbladder surgery and is recovering. Miles 3-4: Mrs. Grant’s (one of my 4th grade teachers) mother, recovering from a major illness. Miles 5-6: Prayers for a good relaxing vacation for my staff. Miles 7-9: Brian Spinnato (our Assistant Principal at our Secondary School) and family-new baby and his wife's health. Miles 10-13: Linda Balogh and family (Admin. Assistant at Secondary School) Linda’s dad passed away in the middle of December.
PS: The Garcia family presented me with a SHINY medal for race 24. They felt very sorry for me.
Rock Canyon Half Marathon, Pueblo,Colorado, December 6, 2008
Race Number 24 (and only 23 medals)
Hey, friends, Mikie’s phone here.
Mikie doesn’t have AT&T, so no bars out here in Pueblo, in the deep, deep South of Colorado, where 2% of the entire population of Colorado takes residence. Yeah, STUPID did not get the call that the race he is running in does not award a medal at the end of the race. That is REAL important to Mikie. Mikie has a big ego. He races to get the shiny stuff. Nothing more. He is quite vain. The only thing he will have to show for his 13.1 miles of agony and pain will be a high quality SWEATSHIRT in a subtle brown tone! Granted, it’s a nice one, but it is NOT SHINY and cannot be hung on his office wall where he likes to show off his running prowess. Mikie wishes the sweatshirt lettering glowed in the dark!
Yeah, Mikie the Idiot missed that call. Yeah, he has some memories, some pain, and did I mention, NO MEDAL! For the best coverage, switch to AT&T. More Bars in More Places. And, AT&T even works in Pueblo, Colorado.
Get an Exclusive Quick Messaging Phone for $79.99 after mail-in rebate. BUT, NO MEDAL! Get over it!
Hey, friends, Mikie’s phone here.
Mikie doesn’t have AT&T, so no bars out here in Pueblo, in the deep, deep South of Colorado, where 2% of the entire population of Colorado takes residence. Yeah, STUPID did not get the call that the race he is running in does not award a medal at the end of the race. That is REAL important to Mikie. Mikie has a big ego. He races to get the shiny stuff. Nothing more. He is quite vain. The only thing he will have to show for his 13.1 miles of agony and pain will be a high quality SWEATSHIRT in a subtle brown tone! Granted, it’s a nice one, but it is NOT SHINY and cannot be hung on his office wall where he likes to show off his running prowess. Mikie wishes the sweatshirt lettering glowed in the dark!
Yeah, Mikie the Idiot missed that call. Yeah, he has some memories, some pain, and did I mention, NO MEDAL! For the best coverage, switch to AT&T. More Bars in More Places. And, AT&T even works in Pueblo, Colorado.
Get an Exclusive Quick Messaging Phone for $79.99 after mail-in rebate. BUT, NO MEDAL! Get over it!
Time: 2:26:30. Pretty slow, AGAIN! Eight miles on a 1-2% grade (on trails) up to Pueblo Dam and the rest, flat or downhill. At least it felt that way. In fairness, the race did advertise that it was a "no frills" race. I just had to make a big deal out of not getting a medal. It is my nature you know! Otherwise, a well organized race mostly on trails. Boy, did I need trail shoes this time!
Prayer List: Miles: 1, 2 and 3: Dave, Sandi and Crissy Eason’s in El Salvador on a missions trip. Miles 4, 5 and 6: The Talley family: Mom recovering from surgery, dad headed into heart surgery and a son battling muscular dystrophy. Miles 7 and 8 : Scotte Burns (6th grade teacher at JA) and family: Scotte’s dad passed on Thanksgiving day at the age of 71. Miles 9 and 10: Kelly Greiman, longtime friend is headed into prostate surgery to remove cancer. Miles 11 and 12: Amanda Munier, taking the GMAT as I was running. Mile 13: Me (I drag at this portion of the race and have to yell at myself to keep going. I tried prayer, this time).
Heart Center of the Rockies Half Marathon, Loveland, Colorado, November 1, 2008
Race Number 23
Dear reader: Below is a “slight” rewrite of Chapter 2 and 3 of Genesis for this half marathon in Loveland, Colorado. My last rewrite of Genesis, was met with critical disdain by the biblical archeology community. Awe, too bad, huh?
Genesis 2 and 3:
And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made and he rested. Despite getting a bit bored with the Seraph’s vs. Angel’s annual celebrity lawn bowling match, the day of rest still produced a few hallelujahs.
God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it but decided He would organize another half marathon race in Colorado to commemorate the day.
The LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to run on the ground. So, the LORD God formed a man-runner of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (plus a few pints of orange flavored Gatorade). And the man-runner became a living soul [man] and the LORD God had formed a man-runner of “exceptional” talent and ability (Ok, what would you expect me to write…... that God created junk?).
And then the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden (i.e. Boulder/Loveland; Colorado) and there he put the man-runner whom he had formed in the midst of the hills and valleys of Eden (Yea, how about 1-3% grade for 11 of the 13 miles). And out of the ground the LORD God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight; as well as the tree of life in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of Performance Enhancing Drugs.
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “Prior to your race thou mayest freely eat of every tree of the garden. But of the tree of the knowledge of Performance Enhancing Drugs, thou shalt not eat of it for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Your disappointment with your finishing times has to be dealt with in another way, o sluggard of minimum ability.”
And the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should run alone; I will create for him some competition. And out of the ground the LORD God formed every type of the runner, some thin, some heavy, some fleet, some slow. Then the LORD God brought them unto the man-runner to see what he would call them. And whatsoever the man-runner called every living creature that was the name thereof. Except that the LORD God had to edit that list because some of the names used by the smart-mouthed man-runner-sinner were not very nice, sarcastic or generally not very edifying. The man-runner-sinner was put in “time out” for those transgressions and forced to eat the locust and lima beans.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: At this point, you will usually see the text regarding the rib being removed etc., etc., but I am not giving up any ribs to form a female that may humiliate me in the race. They will just have to be formed out of dirt like all the other “man”-runners).
And the LORD God caused the race to proceed.
Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field of runners which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the man-runner, “Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?”
And the man-runner said unto the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden and the bagels and bananas and even the gel packs in the middle of the race. But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, the tree of Performance Enhancing Drugs, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die (or at least get a bad rash). So…..I will not be tempted to use anything that improves my dismal and disappointing race time, oh cunning and wily one!”
And the serpent said unto the man-runner, “Ye shall not surely die (or get a rash)! You will become rich and famous! The performance enhancing drugs will allow you to experience the same feigned achievements of sinners like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Marion Jones, and Mark McGuire. Ye shall be as a god, knowing very little good and a whole lot of evil and torment.”
The man-runner was disgusted by all this and continued to lose faith and admiration for most everyone in professional sports. And then the man-runner heard the voice of the LORD God as he walked in the garden and the LORD God called unto the man-runner, and said unto him, “Just enjoy your races, oh slow of foot, and quit worrying about your finishing times. Enjoy the purity of your sport and continue to spend your money on running shoes, entry fees and powdered Gatorade (which saves you at least $20 over the pre-mixed, bottled variety). Those who have made a mockery of sport will surely die.”
And the man-runner crossed the finish line with peace in his heart and pain in his legs. And the LORD God saw that it was good.
Prayer List: Diana Rubenking (miles 1 & 2) and Kevin Rubenking (miles 3 & 4), husband and wife, both fighting and recovering from cancer. Miles 5/6 and 7/8: Lindsay and Greg Reevie and Patrick and Gayle Caudill, two couples I “married off” in the last two months. Mile 9/10: Our beloved former teacher at JA, Jared Johnson married his sweetheart, Amanda, on October 19th. Mile 11/12: Jacob Elick (one of my fifth graders and son of one of my teachers) who is dealing with Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease which causes food to be seen in the body as an infection and the white blood cells attack the healthy tissue in the digestive tract. Miles 12 & 13: Becky Welch (and family), 6th grade teacher at JA. Becky had a miscarriage this week. This would have been their third child.
Dear reader: Below is a “slight” rewrite of Chapter 2 and 3 of Genesis for this half marathon in Loveland, Colorado. My last rewrite of Genesis, was met with critical disdain by the biblical archeology community. Awe, too bad, huh?
Genesis 2 and 3:
And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made and he rested. Despite getting a bit bored with the Seraph’s vs. Angel’s annual celebrity lawn bowling match, the day of rest still produced a few hallelujahs.
God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it but decided He would organize another half marathon race in Colorado to commemorate the day.
The LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to run on the ground. So, the LORD God formed a man-runner of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (plus a few pints of orange flavored Gatorade). And the man-runner became a living soul [man] and the LORD God had formed a man-runner of “exceptional” talent and ability (Ok, what would you expect me to write…... that God created junk?).
And then the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden (i.e. Boulder/Loveland; Colorado) and there he put the man-runner whom he had formed in the midst of the hills and valleys of Eden (Yea, how about 1-3% grade for 11 of the 13 miles). And out of the ground the LORD God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight; as well as the tree of life in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of Performance Enhancing Drugs.
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “Prior to your race thou mayest freely eat of every tree of the garden. But of the tree of the knowledge of Performance Enhancing Drugs, thou shalt not eat of it for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Your disappointment with your finishing times has to be dealt with in another way, o sluggard of minimum ability.”
And the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should run alone; I will create for him some competition. And out of the ground the LORD God formed every type of the runner, some thin, some heavy, some fleet, some slow. Then the LORD God brought them unto the man-runner to see what he would call them. And whatsoever the man-runner called every living creature that was the name thereof. Except that the LORD God had to edit that list because some of the names used by the smart-mouthed man-runner-sinner were not very nice, sarcastic or generally not very edifying. The man-runner-sinner was put in “time out” for those transgressions and forced to eat the locust and lima beans.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: At this point, you will usually see the text regarding the rib being removed etc., etc., but I am not giving up any ribs to form a female that may humiliate me in the race. They will just have to be formed out of dirt like all the other “man”-runners).
And the LORD God caused the race to proceed.
Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field of runners which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the man-runner, “Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?”
And the man-runner said unto the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden and the bagels and bananas and even the gel packs in the middle of the race. But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, the tree of Performance Enhancing Drugs, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die (or at least get a bad rash). So…..I will not be tempted to use anything that improves my dismal and disappointing race time, oh cunning and wily one!”
And the serpent said unto the man-runner, “Ye shall not surely die (or get a rash)! You will become rich and famous! The performance enhancing drugs will allow you to experience the same feigned achievements of sinners like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Marion Jones, and Mark McGuire. Ye shall be as a god, knowing very little good and a whole lot of evil and torment.”
The man-runner was disgusted by all this and continued to lose faith and admiration for most everyone in professional sports. And then the man-runner heard the voice of the LORD God as he walked in the garden and the LORD God called unto the man-runner, and said unto him, “Just enjoy your races, oh slow of foot, and quit worrying about your finishing times. Enjoy the purity of your sport and continue to spend your money on running shoes, entry fees and powdered Gatorade (which saves you at least $20 over the pre-mixed, bottled variety). Those who have made a mockery of sport will surely die.”
And the man-runner crossed the finish line with peace in his heart and pain in his legs. And the LORD God saw that it was good.
Prayer List: Diana Rubenking (miles 1 & 2) and Kevin Rubenking (miles 3 & 4), husband and wife, both fighting and recovering from cancer. Miles 5/6 and 7/8: Lindsay and Greg Reevie and Patrick and Gayle Caudill, two couples I “married off” in the last two months. Mile 9/10: Our beloved former teacher at JA, Jared Johnson married his sweetheart, Amanda, on October 19th. Mile 11/12: Jacob Elick (one of my fifth graders and son of one of my teachers) who is dealing with Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease which causes food to be seen in the body as an infection and the white blood cells attack the healthy tissue in the digestive tract. Miles 12 & 13: Becky Welch (and family), 6th grade teacher at JA. Becky had a miscarriage this week. This would have been their third child.
New Mexico Half Marathon, Albuquerque, New Mexico, August 31, 2008
Race Number 22. State Number 4 (21 states to go).
Editor’s advice: To really "enjoy" this piece, you HAVE to have the tune and tempo of the song, "Imagine" by John Lennon playing in your head.
Title of Song: Imagine You’re a Marathoner (written by Yoko Ono for Mikie Marathoner)
"Imagine there's not enough water
It's easy if you try
Plenty of cloud cover above us
Covering the New Mexico sky
Imagine all the runners
Running down the hill... who, whoo-oooo
(Chorus)
You may say I'm a whiner
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll run with me
And the world will suffer as one.
Imagine there's not enough oxygen
It isn't hard to do
Especially when you’re on a plateau
In thin air, at altitude
Imagine all the runners
Wheezing along the trail...who, whoo-oooo
(Chorus)
You may say I'm a whiner
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll run with me
And the world will suffer as one.
Imagine you have paralyzing thigh pain
I wonder if you can
Extreme need for a porta-potty
A brotherhood of bladder pain
Imagine all the runners
Sharing all the “fun”...who, whoo-oooo
(Chorus)
You may say I'm a whiner
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll run with me
And the world will suffer as one.
Imagine you are developing a head cold,
It isn't hard to do,
Trying to run a fast time,
And getting frustrated too,
Imagine all the fast runners
Passing Mike like he's standing still.......who, whoo-oooo
(Chorus)
You may say I'm a whiner
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll run with me
And the world will suffer as one."
------------------------------------------------
Ok, Yoko really did not write this for me, but you bet she wish she had. Then she would get the royalty checks when it hits the charts in September.
Time: 2:19:24. Slower time again, but I finished with a developing head cold (the pesky bug took over my body once I finished the race-I am a sick puppy) and burning thighs. Yet, I finally got another state under my belt. “Only” twenty-one states and 78 marathons to go!
Prayer List: Samuel Garcia and Lynn Smith, both former students, were both diagnosed with Type I Diabetes this last week (I prayed for them on miles 1-3 & 4-6, respectively). Jerry Hollis (former Literature teacher at JA) and Cindy Rontanini (present Kindergarten teaching assistant at JA) have been battling cancer and are succeeding! Miles 7-9 were dedicated to Jerry and miles 10-13 were Cindy's! Healing to the all of you! I am not sure many of us could have the same attitudes the four of you have had through your ordeals.
Editor’s advice: To really "enjoy" this piece, you HAVE to have the tune and tempo of the song, "Imagine" by John Lennon playing in your head.
Title of Song: Imagine You’re a Marathoner (written by Yoko Ono for Mikie Marathoner)
"Imagine there's not enough water
It's easy if you try
Plenty of cloud cover above us
Covering the New Mexico sky
Imagine all the runners
Running down the hill... who, whoo-oooo
(Chorus)
You may say I'm a whiner
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll run with me
And the world will suffer as one.
Imagine there's not enough oxygen
It isn't hard to do
Especially when you’re on a plateau
In thin air, at altitude
Imagine all the runners
Wheezing along the trail...who, whoo-oooo
(Chorus)
You may say I'm a whiner
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll run with me
And the world will suffer as one.
Imagine you have paralyzing thigh pain
I wonder if you can
Extreme need for a porta-potty
A brotherhood of bladder pain
Imagine all the runners
Sharing all the “fun”...who, whoo-oooo
(Chorus)
You may say I'm a whiner
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll run with me
And the world will suffer as one.
Imagine you are developing a head cold,
It isn't hard to do,
Trying to run a fast time,
And getting frustrated too,
Imagine all the fast runners
Passing Mike like he's standing still.......who, whoo-oooo
(Chorus)
You may say I'm a whiner
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll run with me
And the world will suffer as one."
------------------------------------------------
Ok, Yoko really did not write this for me, but you bet she wish she had. Then she would get the royalty checks when it hits the charts in September.
Time: 2:19:24. Slower time again, but I finished with a developing head cold (the pesky bug took over my body once I finished the race-I am a sick puppy) and burning thighs. Yet, I finally got another state under my belt. “Only” twenty-one states and 78 marathons to go!
Prayer List: Samuel Garcia and Lynn Smith, both former students, were both diagnosed with Type I Diabetes this last week (I prayed for them on miles 1-3 & 4-6, respectively). Jerry Hollis (former Literature teacher at JA) and Cindy Rontanini (present Kindergarten teaching assistant at JA) have been battling cancer and are succeeding! Miles 7-9 were dedicated to Jerry and miles 10-13 were Cindy's! Healing to the all of you! I am not sure many of us could have the same attitudes the four of you have had through your ordeals.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
